John D. Sileo
GRETNA – A Jefferson Parish woman has sued a healthcare products manufacturer, a local hospital and a healthcare products salesman for the alleged failure of and injuries caused by her hip replacement.
Gabriella Orellana filed suit against Mark Starring and Associates, Inc., Mark Starring, Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner, LLC, Depuy Orthopedics and Johnson & Johnson in the 24th Judicial District Court on Aug. 24.
Orellana claims she received surgery to implant a defective hip implant device manufactured by Depuy and sold by Ochsner Medical Centrer who originally purchased the product from Starring and Associates. The plaintiff alleges that the Food and Drug Administration, Depuy and physicians have warned that the hip implant model she received was defective and that those who received the implants should be evaluated. Orellana asserts that the devices have shown a risk for contamination due to metal debris, metal ion, chromium and site specific cancers. The plaintiff further asserts that the risks associated with the implants can be life long, severe and life-threatening.
Orellana alleges that doctors associated with her surgery and who worked for Ochsner were treated to trips and dinners by Starring in order to market and sell a product he knew to be defective.
The defendants are accused of having knowledge of the defects before selling the product to the plaintiff.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for the return of the purchase price for the device, medical costs, economic losses associated with the surgery and attorney's fees.
The plaintiff asserts that the damages included in this claim are separate from an ongoing medical malpractice suit against Ochsner and the doctors who implanted the device.
Orellana is represented by New Orleans-based attorney John D. Sileo.
The case has been assigned to Division G Judge Robert A. Pitre, Jr.
Case no. 718-555.